Experiences of Social Networks Supporting Traumatically Bereaved

Abstract

The importance of social support in reducing the impact of sudden loss on grief symptomatology and facilitating psychological adaptation has often been stressed by theorists. However, the accounts of family members, friends and work colleagues who actually have supported traumatically bereaved groups have seldom been addressed. This article describes how social networks have supported parents who lost their offspring due to traumatic deaths (suicide or SIDS) and how it has impacted them. Finally, their advice to future networks is presented. The networks' experiences and opinions are explored through qualitative and quantitative research methods. Data was gathered during 2004, through questionnaires from 100 social network members, and 21 focus group interviews ( N = 69). The networks elaborate on various aspects of strain and growth from the experience, give important advice to future networks, and stress the importance of some professional guidance to prevent them from “burn-out” in this particular straining relationship.

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